Painless and effective treatment for Hydrocele symptoms

Hydrocele Overview

Accumulation of fluid around the testicles is known as Hydrocele.  The fluid may surround one or both testicles. Hydrocele repair is the process to treat swelling and inflammation of the scrotum during hydrocele. It is not painful but it gets enlarged with time. To be on the safe side, it is always advised to seek consultation with a doctor. 

Fast Facts on Hy...

1. Hydrocele is commonly found in newborns, which disappears within the first 1 to 2 years of life without any treatment.

2. Hydrocele may also develop in boys and adult men due to any injury within the scrotum.

3. It is not fatal. It is usually painless and may not cause any discomfort.

4. Hydrocele requires surgery as it may get severe with time. 

Prevention

There is no way you can protect congenital hydrocele in babies. However, in adults, you can take precautions to protect it from injury. 

Types of Hydrocele

There are two types of hydrocele:

• Non-communicating Hydrocele

This occurs when the fluid-filled sac closes, but the body fails to absorb the fluid. 

• Communicating Hydrocele

It happens when the sac filled with fluid does not seal. The fluid tends to flow in and out. The swelling may increase with time in case of communicating hydrocele. 

Treatment of Hydrocele

Surgery for Hydrocele

• The surgeon makes a small surgical cut in the groin and drains the fluid. The hydrocele containing the fluid may be removed. The surgeon strengthens the abdominal wall with stitches. It is known as hernia repair.

• Sometimes, the surgeon uses a laparoscope to perform the procedure. A laparoscope is a telescope-like instrument with a tiny camera that the surgeon inserts into the area through a small surgical cut. The camera gives a clear view of the internal structure on the video monitor. The surgeon repairs hydrocele with small instruments that are inserted through other small surgical cuts.

Hydrocelectomy 

Hydrocele may not go away on its own so the doctor recommends hydrocelectomy. It is an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. It can be done in two ways:

1. Open Surgery

2. Laser Surgery

In this process, the doctor makes an incision in the scrotum or lower abdomen and the hydrocele is removed. You might need a tube to drain the fluid. 

It is a minimally invasive procedure where the blood vessels are sealed after repair with minimum blood loss. There is minimal scarring and negligible post-surgery complications with effective hydrocele ablation. It is preferred over open surgery. 

• Needle Drainage

The doctor drains the fluid with the help of a needle and a syringe. The fluid may get refilled after a few months with this process. This is an ongoing process and is recommended to those who are not fit to undergo surgery. 

• Sclerotherapy

In this process, the injection is given to stop the hydrocele from recurring after fluid drainage. It may not be the right treatment option for everyone. 

Complications

Hydrocele is not life-threatening and usually does not affect fertility. Possible complications of hydrocele surgery, if you do not choose the right treatment, may be:

• Infection

• Blood clots

• Injury 

Risk Factors

Premature babies are at higher risk of being born with hydrocele. At later stages the risk may include:

• Injury or swelling in the scrotum

• Infection, including sexually transmitted infection